Agenda item

Recommendation

That Executive adopts the Inclusive Service Plan as detailed in Appendix A, taking account of the recommendation put forward by the General Licensing and Registration Committee that all new and replacement hackney carriage vehicles be wheelchair accessible, zero emission or hybrid electric vehicles, with existing licensed hackney carriage vehicles retaining ‘grandfather rights’ until they are no longer fit for purpose.

Considered a report by the Corporate Director Environment which sought approval from the Executive to adopt a new Inclusive Service Plan in relation to hackney carriage and private hire licensing.

Resolved (unanimously) that Executive adopts the Inclusive Service Plan as detailed in Appendix A, taking account of the recommendation put forward by the General Licensing and Registration Committee that all new and replacement hackney carriage vehicles be wheelchair accessible, zero emission or hybrid electric vehicles, with existing licensed hackney carriage vehicles retaining ‘grandfather rights’ until they are no longer fit for purpose.

Reasons

The Council has committed to developing and maintaining an Inclusive Service Plan and must have regard to the Department for Transport’s Best Practice Guidance. A review of the effectiveness of the new policy will commence 12 months from full implementation to decide whether any further adjustments are needed. The recommendation seeks to increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles whilst balancing its impact on the trade.